Mauricio Vela
Wildlife Conservation Society, Big Mammals Leader, Faculty Member
- Conservation Biology, Animal Ecology, Terrestrial Mammals, Conservation, Reproductive Ecology, Protected areas, Ecology, Bats, and 25 moreBats (Mammalogy), Carnivores, Conservation, Mammalogy, Mammals, Biodiversity, Human-wildlife conflicts, Felidae, Colombia, Chiroptera, Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Biology, Carnivore Ecology, Ecological Niche Modeling, Species Distribution Models, Animal Ecology, Tropical Dry Forests, Community Ecology, Andean Bear, Activity patterns, Diversity, Snakes, Jaguar Ecology and Conservation, Neotropics, and Bearsedit
Mammalogy Notes, la revista científica de la Sociedad Colombiana de Mastozoología celebra su primera década de publicar y difundir investigación e información científica original sobre la historia natural, distribución, ecología y otros... more
Mammalogy Notes, la revista científica de la Sociedad Colombiana de Mastozoología celebra su primera década de publicar y difundir investigación e información científica original sobre la historia natural, distribución, ecología y otros aspectos de la biología de los mamíferos de Colombia y el mundo. La revista ha servido de espacio de difusión principalmente para autores latinoamericanos, destacándose la contribución de colombianos, mexicanos y brasileños. Resaltamos el apoyo incondicional y el legado de los editores, autores e investigadores en general, quienes han sido clave en el fortalecimiento y consolidación de Mammalogy Notes. Así mismo, esperamos que la revista continúe por muchos años más y se siga consolidando como una fuente confiable de información sobre la diversidad e importancia de los mamíferos a nivel nacional e internacional
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The Andean white ear opossum (Didelphis pernigra, Allen 1900) is one of the three species of the genus Didelphis reported in Colombia. Here we present a systematic review of D. pernigra in Colombia, with a geographical and altitudinal... more
The Andean white ear opossum (Didelphis pernigra, Allen 1900) is one of the three species of the genus Didelphis reported in Colombia. Here we present a systematic review of D. pernigra in Colombia, with a geographical and altitudinal distribution hypothesis from the country. We reported geographic records and scientific available information of D. pernigra in 40 studies, 55.26 % of the available literature corresponded to local and regional inventories; 23.68 % of other documents were studies about mammal assemblages, while 21.05 % were specific studies about the species and the genus Didelphis in Colombia. We classified literature according to the following subcategories: natural history, diet, inventories, threats, reproduction, uses and perceptions. Most of the literature corresponded to detection in inventories (55.26 %), followed by natural history information (21.05 %) and threats (7.89 %). Research about diet, uses, perception and reproduction, had the lowest proportion with 5.26 %. Regarding distribution, geographic records ranged between 1060 and 3740 m across the three Andean ranges of Colombia. In general, little is known about the ecology or natural history of the species, efforts should be focused on filling the information gaps about natural history, and surveys should fill the distribution gaps along the Western and Central ranges of Colombia.
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BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and... more
BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.
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Home range of an individual of Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) captured at the Chingaza National Park, Colombia (Local Convex Hull method, LoCoH).
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Two iconic and charismatic species that inhabit the northern Andes of South America are the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Both species can be found sympatrically in several areas of Colombia,... more
Two iconic and charismatic species that inhabit the northern Andes of South America are the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Both species can be found sympatrically in several areas of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. Despite their overlap in distribution, little is known about interactions between both species, with few reported cases of Andean bear attacks on the Mountain tapir. Here, we report a possible attack by an Andean bear on a Mountain tapir in the northern part of Puracé National Natural Park, Colombia based on strong wounds and marks on a tapir's back and rump. The wounds match typical attack patterns generated by Andean bears and corroborates previous camera traps records of bears attacking tapirs in this locality.
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Human-Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) conflicts are increasing due to the establishment of livestock or crops near to its natural habitats. Here we report scavenging time patterns of Andean bears and the potential social scavenging... more
Human-Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) conflicts are increasing due to the establishment of livestock or crops near to its natural habitats. Here we report scavenging time patterns of Andean bears and the potential social scavenging behaviors in Choachí and Guasca municipalities, Cundinamarca department, buffer zone of Chingaza National Natural Park, Colombia. Between 2013-2015, we obtained 31 Andean bear scav-enging events, allegedly related with human-bear conflict reports; most records occurred in Choachí municipality (n = 29). Daily scavenging behaviors showed a heterogeneous pattern, where bears prefer to scavenge in morning hours (6:00 h-10:00 h) with small activity in the afternoon (15:00 h-17:00 h). Furthermore, we report on the first potential record of social activity of three adults scavenging on the same carcass at the same time with no aggressive/antagonistic behaviors between the individuals. Most aspects of Andean bear wild behaviors are still unknown; our observations represent interesting additions to the natural history of the species that could also be included in future programs for the mitigation and reduction of conflicts with human communities in the Andean region of Colombia. Los conflictos Humano – Oso Andino (Tremarctos ornatus) han incrementado debido al establecimiento de sistemas ganaderos o de agri-cultura cercanos a sus hábitats naturales. Reportamos los patrones temporales de carroñeo de Osos Andinos y comportamientos potenciales de carroñeo social en los municipios de Choachí y Guasca, departamento de Cundinamarca, zona de amortiguamiento del Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza, Colombia. Entre los años 2013-2015, registramos 31 eventos de carroñeo por Oso Andino, reportados como eventos de conflicto Humano – Oso. La mayoría de los eventos ocurrieron en el municipio de Choachí (n = 29). Los comportamientos diarios de consumo de carroña mostraron un patrón heterogéneo, donde los osos prefieren carroñar en horas de la mañana (6:00 h-10:00 h) con poca actividad durante las horas de la tarde (15:00 h – 17:00 h). Además, reportamos el primer registro potencial de comportamientos sociales de tres adultos, carroñando en el mismo cadáver a la misma hora, sin presentar comportamientos de agresividad / antagonismo entre los tres individuos. El conocimiento de los comportamientos de oso Andino en vida silvestre aún es incipiente o desconocido. Nuestras observaciones aportan al conocimiento de la historia natural de la especie, los cuales podrían ser incluidos en futuros programas para la mitigación y reducción de los conflictos con comunidades humanas en la zona andina de Colombia.
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Con un esfuerzo de muestreo efectivo de 6.343 días-trampa y 3.020 eventos positivos, se registraron un total de 9 especies de mamíferos medianos silvestres, y dos especies domésticas, para esta porción de la Reserva. Las especies... more
Con un esfuerzo de muestreo efectivo de 6.343 días-trampa y 3.020 eventos positivos, se registraron un total de 9 especies de mamíferos medianos silvestres, y dos especies domésticas, para esta porción de la Reserva. Las especies silvestres más frecuentemente detectadas fueron el Cusumbo (Nasuella olivacea; FD=2,66 fotos/ 100 días-trampa en 37% de las estaciones; Figura 3), seguida por la Fara (Didelphis pernigra; FD=1,95 fotos/ 100 días-trampa en 34% de las estaciones); las dos especies domésticas (ferales y semiferales) fueron también frecuentemente detectadas (perros y gatos, FD=2,54 y 0.82 fotos/ 100 días-trampa, respectivamente), donde los perros fueron los que se detectaron en mayor proporción de estaciones (44,2%) de todo el estudio.
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The Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus is widespread Neotropical carnivore species, with a disjunct distribution from Mexico to Brazil. Poorly known across its range, in Colombia the species is mostly known only from scarce... more
The Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus is widespread Neotropical carnivore species, with a disjunct distribution from Mexico to Brazil. Poorly known across its range, in Colombia the species is mostly known only from scarce and sporadic records, but with no information for most aspects of its ecology or conservation status. Here we present the first record of the species for a peri-urban area of Bogotá, capital city of Colombia. Our record is the first for a large city across its range, located outside previous range estimates and confirming its presence for the tutelar mountains of the city. Although this record does not expand significantly the range of the species, it represents an important addition to the fauna of Bogotá, highlighting the importance of improving conservation measures for this important forest patch, and thus ecological integrity, in one of the largest cities in the Neotropics.
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The Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus is widespread Neotropical carnivore species, with a disjunct distribution from Mexico to Brazil. Poorly known across its range, in Colombia the species is mostly known only from scarce... more
The Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus is widespread Neotropical carnivore species, with a disjunct distribution from Mexico to Brazil. Poorly known across its range, in Colombia the species is mostly known only from scarce and sporadic records, but with no information for most aspects of its ecology or conservation status. Here we present the first record of the species for a peri-urban area of Bogotá, capital city of Colombia. Our record is the first for a large city across its range, located outside previous range estimates and confirming its presence for the tutelar mountains of the city. Although this record does not expand significantly the range of the species, it represents an important addition to the fauna of Bogotá, highlighting the importance of improving conservation measures for this important forest patch, and thus ecological integrity, in one of the largest cities in the Neotropics.
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The use of vaginal smears for the study of the reproductive patterns of Neotropical bats has not been employed using a standardized protocol. We developed and evaluated a protocol, based on this technique, for the identification of the... more
The use of vaginal smears for the study of the reproductive patterns of Neotropical bats has not been employed using a standardized protocol. We developed and evaluated a protocol, based on this technique, for the identification of the estrous cycle in an assemblage of bats in the Caribbean region of Colombia. The protocol for vaginal smears in bats was performed in three phases: 1) sampling in the field, 2) staining of vaginal smears, and 3) vaginal cell counts. Vaginal smears were taken and external reproductive characteristics were determined in the field. The results of these two data sets were compared for estimation of estrous status. Significant differences were detected between the proportions of different types of vaginal cells found in the smear samples. Overall, 95% of the females characterized as reproductively inactive based on external traits were found to be reproductively active according to vaginal smear characteristics; the remaining percentage of inactive reproductive cases coincided with the information obtained from vaginal smear technique. The use of the vaginal smear protocol allows the accurate determination and quantification of the reproductive status of individuals and populations of Neotropical bats. We conclude that this protocol offers a standardized method for the collection of individual reproductive status information in Neotropical bats. RESUMEN. Citologías vaginales: una fuente clave de información del ciclo estral en murciélagos neotropicales. el uso de citologías vaginales para el estudio de los fenómenos reproductivos de los murciélagos neotropicales no ha sido implementado bajo un protocolo estandarizado. Evaluamos e implementamos un protocolo de cito-logías vaginales, con el objetivo de probar su eficacia para la identificación del ciclo estral de un ensamblaje de murciélagos en el Caribe colombiano. El protocolo para realizar citologías vaginales en murciélagos neotropicales se dividió en tres fases: 1) toma de muestras en campo, 2) coloración de citologías vaginales y 3) conteo de células vaginales. La prueba se realizó bajo condiciones de campo, registrando los caracteres externos repro-ductivos tradicionales, los cuales se confrontaron con los resultados de las citologías vaginales. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la proporción de los diferentes tipos de células contadas en las láminas de las citologías vaginales. El 95% de las hembras caracterizadas como inactivas mediante el registro de caracteres externos se encontraban en algún estado reproductivo de acuerdo a las citologías vaginales; el porcentaje res-tante de hembras caracterizadas como inactivas también presentó inactividad reproductiva según las citologías vaginales. El uso de este nuevo protocolo de caracterización reproductiva permite describir y cuantificar con
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The Grison (Galictis vittata) is a mustelid carnivore with a wide distribution in the American continent, including Colombia. However, is one of the less studied carnivore species in Colombia, with scarce information regarding... more
The Grison (Galictis vittata) is a mustelid carnivore with a wide distribution in the American continent, including Colombia. However, is one of the less studied carnivore species in Colombia, with scarce information regarding distribution, ecology and conservation status. We compiled all records and observations available for the species in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Additionally, through field work held throughout the region, we present new confirmed records for the species. We obtained a total of 78 records, distributed in seven of the eight departments of the Caribbean Region of Colombia; of these, 54 records are new for the region and are located in five departments. The new records expand the known distribution of the species in 162 km to the South and 36,500 km 2 in extent from its previously estimated distribution, also confirming its presence in three departments for the first time. Our results extend the knowledge of the species for the Caribbean region of Colombia by providing new records and data on distribution and extending its known range. These results also highlight the need for further study of the species regarding most aspects of its natural history. El grisón (Galictis vittata) es un carnívoro mustélido con una amplia distribución en el continente americano, incluida Colombia. Sin embargo, se trata de una de las especies de carnívoros menos estudiada en Colombia, con déficit de información sobre su distribución, ecología y estado de conservación. Se recopilaron todos los registros y observaciones disponibles de la especie en la región del Caribe colombiano. Asimismo, a través del trabajo de campo realizado en toda la región, se presentan nuevos registros confirmados de la especie. Se obtuvo un total de 78 registros distribuidos en siete de los ocho departamentos de la Región Caribe de Colombia; de éstos, 54 son nuevos registros en la región y se encuentran en cinco departamentos. Los nuevos registros expanden la distribución conocida de la especie en 162 km lineales hacia el sur y en aproximadamente 36,500 km 2 en extensión respecto de su distribución previamente estimada, y confirman su presencia en tres departamentos por primera vez. Los resultados amplían el conocimiento de la especie en el Caribe colombiano, y proporcionan nuevos registros y datos sobre la distribución, lo que amplía su distribución conocida. Dichos resultados también muestran la necesidad de estudiar la especie en cuanto a la mayoría de los aspectos de su historia natural.
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Introduction: The Grison (Galictis vittata) is a mustelid carnivore with a wide distribution in the American continent, including Colombia. However, is one of the less studied carnivore species in Colombia, with scarce information... more
Introduction: The Grison (Galictis vittata) is a mustelid carnivore with a wide distribution in the American continent,
including Colombia. However, is one of the less studied carnivore species in Colombia, with scarce information regarding distribution, ecology and conservation status.
Methods: We compiled all records and observations available for the species in the Caribbean region of Colombia.
Additionally, through field work held throughout the region, we present new confirmed records for the species.
Results: We obtained a total of 78 records, distributed in seven of the eight departments of the Caribbean Region
of Colombia; of these, 54 records are new for the region and are located in five departments. The new records expand
the known distribution of the species in 162 km to the South and 36,500 km2 in extent from its previously estimated
distribution, also confirming its presence in three departments for the first time.. Discussion and conclusions: Our results extend the knowledge of the species for the Caribbean region of Colombia by providing new records and data on distribution and extending its known range. These results also highlight the need for further study of the species regarding most aspects of its natural history.
including Colombia. However, is one of the less studied carnivore species in Colombia, with scarce information regarding distribution, ecology and conservation status.
Methods: We compiled all records and observations available for the species in the Caribbean region of Colombia.
Additionally, through field work held throughout the region, we present new confirmed records for the species.
Results: We obtained a total of 78 records, distributed in seven of the eight departments of the Caribbean Region
of Colombia; of these, 54 records are new for the region and are located in five departments. The new records expand
the known distribution of the species in 162 km to the South and 36,500 km2 in extent from its previously estimated
distribution, also confirming its presence in three departments for the first time.. Discussion and conclusions: Our results extend the knowledge of the species for the Caribbean region of Colombia by providing new records and data on distribution and extending its known range. These results also highlight the need for further study of the species regarding most aspects of its natural history.
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Coatis are among the most unknown small carnivore species in Colombia; even when all coati species have wide distributions, still many aspects of their ecology still need to be explored. Here we present the first confirmed records of... more
Coatis are among the most unknown small carnivore species in Colombia; even when all coati species have wide distributions, still many aspects of their ecology still need to be explored. Here we present the first confirmed records of sympatry between Nasua nasua and Nasuella olivacea for Colombia and their entire range. Using camera traps at different distances from Chingaza National Natural Park between August and November 2015 (1,367 trap-nights), we obtained fours records for N. nasua and two records for N. olivacea, with one locality shared by both species. So far, no confirmed records existed for two sympatric coati species, and all were considered to have disjunctive, non-overlapping distributions. This finding opens a wide range of new ecological questions, in order to understand how this species compete or share the same habitats, and the underlying traits and process that allow this type of sympatric distributions. We expect that with the growing number of field research efforts, especially with camera-traps, new information will be available about the ecology of both species and likely new localities will record both species using the same spaces.
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Coatis are among the most unknown small carnivore species in Colombia; even when all coati species have wide distributions, still many aspects of their ecology still need to be explored. Here we present the first confirmed records of... more
Coatis are among the most unknown small carnivore species in Colombia; even when all coati species have wide distributions, still many aspects of their ecology still need to be explored. Here we present the first confirmed records of sympatry between Nasua nasua and Nasuella olivacea for Colombia and their entire range. Using camera traps at different distances from Chingaza National Natural Park between August and November 2015 (1,367 trap-nights), we obtained fours records for N. nasua and two records for N. olivacea, with one locality shared by both species. So far, no confirmed records existed for two sympatric coati species, and all were considered to have disjunctive, non-overlapping distributions. This finding opens a wide range of new ecological questions, in order to understand how this species compete or share the same habitats, and the underlying traits and process that allow this type of sympatric distributions. We expect that with the growing number of field research efforts, especially with camera-traps, new information will be available about the ecology of both species and likely new localities will record both species using the same spaces.
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Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity patterns of Tayra Eira barbara and the effect of seasonality in two different landscapes, one in Colombia (Canal del Dique Watershed) and another in Costa Rica... more
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity patterns of Tayra Eira barbara and
the effect of seasonality in two different landscapes, one in Colombia (Canal del Dique Watershed) and
another in Costa Rica (Talamanca). Methodology: Between 2005 and 2009 camera trapping samplings
were conducted to determine activity patterns of the species. We estimated capture frequencies, activity
patterns, and made comparisons between sites and seasons, classifying data in 24-hours and in time-periods:
Diurnal, Nocturnal and Crepuscular. Comparisons were made using Kuiper tests for homogeneity,
Chi-square for differences in patterns and Chao-Jaccard tests for testing overlapping activities. Results:
Differences between activity periods (X2=124.26, p<0.0001) and hours (X2=46.38, p=0.0001) were found,
with three activity peaks during the day, being this period in which the species is more active in general
(X2=124.26, p<0.0001). Seasonality seems to be the most important factor influencing activity patterns
(X2=14.15, p=0.0002), especially influencing the hours of higher activity (X2=12.42, p=0.0033). Conclusions:
Activity patterns in Tayras seem to slightly vary both in space and time, with seasonality been the
most evident driver. Our results coincide with previous studies in similar habitats, but differ with other
locations with different ecosystems, highlighting variation within the species and potentially related with
different subspecies. The evaluation and identification of basic aspects of natural history of E. barbara
are necessary for a better understanding of the species ecology, life history, habitat requirements and
their role in ecosystems.
the effect of seasonality in two different landscapes, one in Colombia (Canal del Dique Watershed) and
another in Costa Rica (Talamanca). Methodology: Between 2005 and 2009 camera trapping samplings
were conducted to determine activity patterns of the species. We estimated capture frequencies, activity
patterns, and made comparisons between sites and seasons, classifying data in 24-hours and in time-periods:
Diurnal, Nocturnal and Crepuscular. Comparisons were made using Kuiper tests for homogeneity,
Chi-square for differences in patterns and Chao-Jaccard tests for testing overlapping activities. Results:
Differences between activity periods (X2=124.26, p<0.0001) and hours (X2=46.38, p=0.0001) were found,
with three activity peaks during the day, being this period in which the species is more active in general
(X2=124.26, p<0.0001). Seasonality seems to be the most important factor influencing activity patterns
(X2=14.15, p=0.0002), especially influencing the hours of higher activity (X2=12.42, p=0.0033). Conclusions:
Activity patterns in Tayras seem to slightly vary both in space and time, with seasonality been the
most evident driver. Our results coincide with previous studies in similar habitats, but differ with other
locations with different ecosystems, highlighting variation within the species and potentially related with
different subspecies. The evaluation and identification of basic aspects of natural history of E. barbara
are necessary for a better understanding of the species ecology, life history, habitat requirements and
their role in ecosystems.
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Conservation planning requires enough background information to support decision making and enable monitoring of targets. To date there have been ecological assessments of felid and prey species in five departments of the Caribbean.... more
Conservation planning requires enough background information to support decision making and
enable monitoring of targets. To date there have been ecological assessments of felid and prey species in five
departments of the Caribbean. This chapter summarizes some of the information gathered so far. We analyze
the ecology of wild felids and their preys from four perspectives: 1) presence of wild felids in the region, 2)
their relative abundance, 3) influence of the landscape on the distribution and abundance of felids and their
preys, and 4) the role of protected areas in the conservation of these species. We present the first map of locations
for all the cats in the region. The agouti, raccoon and ocelot are the most abundant species throughout
the region, and there are defined groups according to their abundances among wild felids and their preys. The
presence of wild felids species and their main prey are strongly determined by the state of the landscape and
protected areas. The Caribbean requires great efforts to restore and protect their landscapes in a way that allows
the recovery of functional assemblies of mammals, mainly from the predator prey interactions point of view,
using wild felids as key and flagship species.
Keywords: abundance, camera-traps, distribution, Felidae
enable monitoring of targets. To date there have been ecological assessments of felid and prey species in five
departments of the Caribbean. This chapter summarizes some of the information gathered so far. We analyze
the ecology of wild felids and their preys from four perspectives: 1) presence of wild felids in the region, 2)
their relative abundance, 3) influence of the landscape on the distribution and abundance of felids and their
preys, and 4) the role of protected areas in the conservation of these species. We present the first map of locations
for all the cats in the region. The agouti, raccoon and ocelot are the most abundant species throughout
the region, and there are defined groups according to their abundances among wild felids and their preys. The
presence of wild felids species and their main prey are strongly determined by the state of the landscape and
protected areas. The Caribbean requires great efforts to restore and protect their landscapes in a way that allows
the recovery of functional assemblies of mammals, mainly from the predator prey interactions point of view,
using wild felids as key and flagship species.
Keywords: abundance, camera-traps, distribution, Felidae
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Conservation planning requires enough background information to support decision making and enable monitoring of targets. To date there have been ecological assessments of felid and prey species in five departments of the Caribbean.... more
Conservation planning requires enough background information to support decision making and
enable monitoring of targets. To date there have been ecological assessments of felid and prey species in five
departments of the Caribbean. This chapter summarizes some of the information gathered so far. We analyze
the ecology of wild felids and their preys from four perspectives: 1) presence of wild felids in the region, 2)
their relative abundance, 3) influence of the landscape on the distribution and abundance of felids and their
preys, and 4) the role of protected areas in the conservation of these species. We present the first map of locations
for all the cats in the region. The agouti, raccoon and ocelot are the most abundant species throughout
the region, and there are defined groups according to their abundances among wild felids and their preys. The
presence of wild felids species and their main prey are strongly determined by the state of the landscape and
protected areas. The Caribbean requires great efforts to restore and protect their landscapes in a way that allows
the recovery of functional assemblies of mammals, mainly from the predator prey interactions point of view,
using wild felids as key and flagship species.
enable monitoring of targets. To date there have been ecological assessments of felid and prey species in five
departments of the Caribbean. This chapter summarizes some of the information gathered so far. We analyze
the ecology of wild felids and their preys from four perspectives: 1) presence of wild felids in the region, 2)
their relative abundance, 3) influence of the landscape on the distribution and abundance of felids and their
preys, and 4) the role of protected areas in the conservation of these species. We present the first map of locations
for all the cats in the region. The agouti, raccoon and ocelot are the most abundant species throughout
the region, and there are defined groups according to their abundances among wild felids and their preys. The
presence of wild felids species and their main prey are strongly determined by the state of the landscape and
protected areas. The Caribbean requires great efforts to restore and protect their landscapes in a way that allows
the recovery of functional assemblies of mammals, mainly from the predator prey interactions point of view,
using wild felids as key and flagship species.
Research Interests:
The Colombian Caribbean Felid Conservation Plan (PCFC) is created as a tool to assess the status of populations of felids and the human factors related, in order to obtain a holistic and comprehensive view on the status of these species... more
The Colombian Caribbean Felid Conservation Plan (PCFC) is created as a tool to assess the
status of populations of felids and the human factors related, in order to obtain a holistic and comprehensive
view on the status of these species while allowing use as tools in management processes and conservation
planning. The plan has four main components that enable research and land management by identifying priority
areas, identifying conflicts, generate ecological analysis and structuring and implementation of management
plans. Here we present how does the PCFC is methodologically developed.
status of populations of felids and the human factors related, in order to obtain a holistic and comprehensive
view on the status of these species while allowing use as tools in management processes and conservation
planning. The plan has four main components that enable research and land management by identifying priority
areas, identifying conflicts, generate ecological analysis and structuring and implementation of management
plans. Here we present how does the PCFC is methodologically developed.
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Biological corridors are fundamental strategies for biodiversity conservation in fragmented landscapes. However, few evidence exist respecting their functionality or the population viability of its species on long term especially for the... more
Biological corridors are fundamental strategies for biodiversity conservation in fragmented landscapes. However, few evidence exist respecting their functionality or the population viability of its species on long term especially for the tropics. We performed a theoretical-descriptive approach to determine mammals’ risk of extinction based on three main parameters: species vulnerability and area and habitat requirements, each one of these categories were classified in levels of high, medium and low. For large mammals there is a high probability of extinction, while for medium and small mammals there is a low probability of extinction and a high probability of permanence of viable populations with high habitat availability.
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Abstract The department of Córdoba has the greatest distribution of Tropical Dry Forest in Colombia. Córdoba is also one of the principal meat producers in Colombia. The Tropical Dry Forest areas present in this department is amongst the... more
Abstract
The department of Córdoba has the greatest distribution of Tropical Dry Forest in Colombia. Córdoba is also one of the principal meat producers in Colombia. The Tropical Dry Forest areas present in this department is amongst the most threatened ecosystems in the country due to the expansion of agricultural and cattle systems. Bats have significant ecological role in tropical ecosystems. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information for these organisms in Colombians dry zones, what blind the understanding of ecosystem processes where bats participate. We studied the structure and composition of bats assemblage present in Tropical Dry Forest remnants associated to an extensive cattle system in “El Refugio” farm (Córdoba-Colombia),
during the first 2009 dry season. Because of the high landscape
heterogeneity, we surveyed the area using a conglomerate design.
We divided the study area in five conglomerates and displayed 10
mist nets ad libitum at different heights. We carried the survey out
during 39 nights, between January and March, covering two lunar
cycles. We capture a total of 614 bats belonging to 20 species from four families. We registered new species for the Cordoba State (Lasiurus ega). The presence of Lophostoma silvicolum and
Phyllostomus species may indicate that Tropical Dry Forest
remnants, associated to extensive cattle systems, may be able to
maintain these species as in forest with low rates of intervention.
Keywords: Assemblages, Chiroptera, Density, Diversity, Richness,
Silviculture.
The department of Córdoba has the greatest distribution of Tropical Dry Forest in Colombia. Córdoba is also one of the principal meat producers in Colombia. The Tropical Dry Forest areas present in this department is amongst the most threatened ecosystems in the country due to the expansion of agricultural and cattle systems. Bats have significant ecological role in tropical ecosystems. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information for these organisms in Colombians dry zones, what blind the understanding of ecosystem processes where bats participate. We studied the structure and composition of bats assemblage present in Tropical Dry Forest remnants associated to an extensive cattle system in “El Refugio” farm (Córdoba-Colombia),
during the first 2009 dry season. Because of the high landscape
heterogeneity, we surveyed the area using a conglomerate design.
We divided the study area in five conglomerates and displayed 10
mist nets ad libitum at different heights. We carried the survey out
during 39 nights, between January and March, covering two lunar
cycles. We capture a total of 614 bats belonging to 20 species from four families. We registered new species for the Cordoba State (Lasiurus ega). The presence of Lophostoma silvicolum and
Phyllostomus species may indicate that Tropical Dry Forest
remnants, associated to extensive cattle systems, may be able to
maintain these species as in forest with low rates of intervention.
Keywords: Assemblages, Chiroptera, Density, Diversity, Richness,
Silviculture.
Research Interests:
Macroecological analyses provide a powerful tool for evaluating the animal communities and the conservation status of an ecoregion. Using this approach in smaller scales allows reaching solid results in how the species richness,... more
Macroecological analyses provide a powerful tool for evaluating the animal communities and the conservation status of an ecoregion. Using this approach in smaller scales allows reaching solid results in how the species richness, functional traits and extinction risk are changing throughout a specific region. The connectivity area between the Costa Rican Seasonal forest and the Chocó Darién Moist Forest represents the bridge between the Mesoamerican region and the Andean tropical region. This area has historical importance based on the role played in the great mammal exchange, currently containing over 327 species of mammals and possessing well preserved forest patches as well as highly deforested areas. Species composition follows a clear pattern within a geographic logic, but extinction risk and functional traits do not follow the same pattern. Here we provide exploratory and preliminary analyses of the ecological continuum between Costa Rica and Colombia, based on a macroecological perspective, in order to provide insights on current biogeographical and threat patterns as a basis for ecological understanding and conservation planning.
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT Objective. Knowing the bat species associated with tropical dry forest remaining in a system of extensive livestock in a farm in the department of Cordoba. Materials and methods. Sampling of 35 nights during the dry season... more
ABSTRACT
Objective. Knowing the bat species associated with tropical dry forest remaining in a system of extensive livestock in a farm in the department of Cordoba. Materials and methods. Sampling of 35 nights during the dry season (January-March 2009), using 10 mist nets (3x6 m) located in a cluster design which were open from 18:00 to 06:00 hours . Results. 20 bat species were captured from a total of 614 individuals. Conclusions. We found species of the family Phyllostomidae, Noctilionidae, Vespertilionidae and Emballonuridae.
Ega Lasiurus species constitutes a new report for the department of Cordoba.
Key words: Chiroptera, density, tropical dry forest, cattle farm.
Objective. Knowing the bat species associated with tropical dry forest remaining in a system of extensive livestock in a farm in the department of Cordoba. Materials and methods. Sampling of 35 nights during the dry season (January-March 2009), using 10 mist nets (3x6 m) located in a cluster design which were open from 18:00 to 06:00 hours . Results. 20 bat species were captured from a total of 614 individuals. Conclusions. We found species of the family Phyllostomidae, Noctilionidae, Vespertilionidae and Emballonuridae.
Ega Lasiurus species constitutes a new report for the department of Cordoba.
Key words: Chiroptera, density, tropical dry forest, cattle farm.
Research Interests:
los osos son uno de los grupos de mamíferos más carismáticos que existen. Son personajes de mitos, cuentos y fábulas, cine y televisión, y han sido exaltados por su gracia, como el oso panda gigante, o por su majestuosidad, como el oso... more
los osos son uno de los grupos de mamíferos más carismáticos que existen. Son personajes de mitos, cuentos y fábulas, cine y televisión, y han
sido exaltados por su gracia, como el oso panda gigante, o por su majestuosidad, como el oso polar. Pero la realidad es otra: en su mayoría, están en peligro de extinción a causa de la pérdida del hábitat, la caza
ilegal y el calentamiento global.
sido exaltados por su gracia, como el oso panda gigante, o por su majestuosidad, como el oso polar. Pero la realidad es otra: en su mayoría, están en peligro de extinción a causa de la pérdida del hábitat, la caza
ilegal y el calentamiento global.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
A lo largo de la historia, los osos han sido exaltados como personajes míticos de gran fuerza, sabiduría y ternura. En la actualidad, de acuerdo con Leite Pitman et al. (2008), existen ocho especies de osos en el mundo, distribuidas en... more
A lo largo de la historia, los osos han sido
exaltados como personajes míticos de gran fuerza,
sabiduría y ternura. En la actualidad, de acuerdo
con Leite Pitman et al. (2008), existen ocho especies
de osos en el mundo, distribuidas en Europa,
Asia y América, ocupando un amplio rango de hábitats,
desde las zonas árticas hasta las selvas húmedas
tropicales.
exaltados como personajes míticos de gran fuerza,
sabiduría y ternura. En la actualidad, de acuerdo
con Leite Pitman et al. (2008), existen ocho especies
de osos en el mundo, distribuidas en Europa,
Asia y América, ocupando un amplio rango de hábitats,
desde las zonas árticas hasta las selvas húmedas
tropicales.
Research Interests:
Desde épocas ancestrales, el Oso Andino ha estado ligado al desarrollo de las comunidades humanas en la Cordillera de los Andes. Sin embargo, ha sido objeto de constantes presiones como la cacería, la pérdida de su hábitat y hasta el uso... more
Desde épocas ancestrales, el Oso Andino ha estado ligado al desarrollo de las comunidades humanas en la Cordillera de los Andes. Sin embargo, ha sido objeto de constantes presiones como la cacería, la pérdida de su hábitat y hasta el uso de sus órganos como medicinas tradicionales, siendo clasificado actualmente como una especie Vulnerable a la extinción según la Lista Roja de Especies Amenazadas de la Unión Mundial para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN). Aunque se encuentra en el orden de los Carnívoros (Carnivora), el Oso Andino es una especie omnívora y prefiere consumir plantas y frutas localizadas en bosques altoandinos y páramos, alimentándose ocasionalmente de proteína animal. Aunque existen planes de manejo y conservación de Oso Andino para el macizo de Chingaza y Colombia, la información técnica disponible sobre la especie en el país aún es limitada. Para lograr el manejo adecuado de sus poblaciones y sus hábitats, es necesario realizar estudios sobre la la biología y ecología de la especie, que a corto, mediano y largo plazo proveerán bases de información sólidas para la conservación de esta especie icónica de la zona andina colombiana y suramericana. A continuación, se describen las principales características morfológicas y ecológicas de esta especie icónica para los Andes tropicales y las principales presiones que han llevado a la disminución de sus poblaciones a lo largo de su distribución natural.